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For over 100 years, Wyoming has attracted geologists in search of oil, gas and mineral wealth as well as research geologists challenged by complex geology. It has the full spectrum of why a person would pick a career in geology: fossils to minerals, mountains to basins, folds and faults, igneous to sedimentary rocks, mines to oil fields, geothermal features to glacial features and best of all plentiful outcrops. Access is superb with roughly half of the state owned by the federal government. Add in western hospitality, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, low humidity and over 200 total days with sun and you will realize why we love Wyoming. It is heaven on earth for a geologist and we hope that you can experience a little of that heaven too!
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Chugwater outcrop and Pat O'Hara Mountain, picture taken along Chief Joseph Highway, northwest Wyoming
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The Locations...
When we travel, we consult guidebooks and websites that lead us to the best experiences a place has to offer. We spend hours driving between highly publicized and sometimes crowded spots, knowing we are undoubtedly passing world-class spots and geological wonders that only some locals enjoy. Wyoming has more than its fair share of special geological places if you just knew where to go and what makes them special.
The map below shows the location of the Geology Top Spots in the Bighorn Basin. We have a webpage for each spot.
The map below shows the location of the Geology Top Spots in the Bighorn Basin. We have a webpage for each spot.
Ratings...We built this website so you can select special geological spots that match your interests and then see and learn about the geology. For each spot we provide a wow rating, a geological factor rating, an attraction summary, a detailed geology description with maps, diagrams, pictures and history, what you will see, driving directions, and for most spots a recommended hike.
Wow Factor -- Will I be impressed? Is it magical? This is a one to five star rating scale with one star being pleasant and five stars having the potential for a special moment and lasting memory. Geological Factor -- Will it put goose bumps on a geologist’s arm? Only emotions stirred by geological or intellectual stimuli are rated in this category from one to five stars. |
Avalanche Peak, Yellowstone National Park.
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Geologic Stratigraphic Column...
A geologic stratigraphic column is basic reference material for a geologist. Below is one for the Bighorn Basin with formation names, ages, rock type, major extinctions and the tectonic setting. Note that thickness on this stratigraphic chart has no resemblance to rock thickness. The relatively young Cenozoic sediments are the thickest formations and filled the central part of the basin.
Contact Us
Have a question? Need further advice? Or, do you have a geological location to suggest to us? Please email us with the link above.
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